China to open 19 duty-free shops for domestic consumers

ina is set to open 19 new duty-free shops for domestic consumers, a move aimed at catering to the increasing demand for imported products, a media report said on Tuesday.

The 19 shops will be located at 13 airports and six ports, the People’s Daily reported. Passengers can carry duty-free goods worth up to 8,000 yuan ($1,226), up from the previous 5,000-yuan limit.

The new shops are expected to offer a wider selection of products so that outbound travellers can make purchases after they arrive at airports or ports. The duty-free shops will sell infant formula, diapers, bags, suitcases, cosmetics and skin care products.

In recent years, the number of Chinese outbound tourists has seen continuous growth. In 2014, Chinese citizens made over 100 million overseas trips and spent more than 1 trillion yuan. During the 2016 Spring Festival travel season, outbound tourists numbered up to 6 million, hitting a record high.